I believe it. I was born in Texas, and we moved to NO when I was in 3rd grade because my Dad worked in the "Evil Oil Business". I never considered staying in LA. I left for Texas after HS and my parents left when Dad retired. FWIW - Tennessee is much like Texas, but I still miss Dallas a little.
I've never been to NO or LA or Texas.
But if I had to choose, I'd go to
TX. Not near the coast though. LOL